Quitting means treatment by a professional, and Oregon health officials expect the series to spark a spike in requests for treatment. Wheeler has put the word out, telling providers to expect more calls and urging them to talk to friends, neighbors and colleagues about addiction as a brain disease.

The first part of the series airs Thursday night on HBO. It will premiere Wednesday in Portland during a free event, featuring finger food, drinks and panels of experts along with professionals treading their own path of recovery.

The event starts at 6 p.m. To reserve a spot, call 1-888-745-7425 and leave your name and the number of guests.

For more information on addiction and treatment, check out these resources: